Cutline: Pictured is Simone Travis of Travis Ministers with her first donation of sweats and socks for survivors of sexual assault and suicide. Travis and her family plan to continue to donate as needed to this project.
PARIS, TN – Travis Ministers is a family ministry formed by James and Lynette Travis and their children in 2018 in Paris, TN. Their goal is to find meaningful ways to support the community through their ministry and their eldest child, Simone Travis, saw a need in Henry County and encouraged her family to minister to survivors of sexual assault and suicide through a new program, Sweatpants and Socks for Survivors.
While working as a Nurse Assistant in the Henry County Medical Center ER, Travis was heartbroken that survivors of sexual assault or suicide had to return home from the hospital in the same clothes they were wearing when rescued and brought to HCMC.
The Travis family realized that Henry County does not have a rape crisis center and survivors have to travel a long distance to receive the support they need while still wearing the same clothes from when the traumatic incident happened. This spurred Travis Ministers into action, developing a program that could give dignity to these individuals during a very difficult time.
Sweatpants and Socks for Survivors will provide survivors that are brought to the Henry County Medical Center Emergency Room with a fresh, clean pair of socks, a sweatshirt, and sweatpants. Their goal is to ensure each survivor leaves this hospital with dignity and comfort and never feels re-victimized.
Additionally, the items will be available to mental health patients in our Lake Haven Behavioral Unit. Often, these patients don’t have additional clothing or have come in needing a change of clothing as well.
“We are very fortunate and grateful to have Travis Ministers provide these items for our patients,” said Neely Ashby, CNO. “This is one way that we are able to provide an extra bit of comfort to patients in difficult situations.”
Travis is a survivor of sexual assault and knows how it feels to be on the other side. This influenced her and gave her the resolve to move forward with this important project.
“The most important thing for me is that survivors have dignity, non-revictimization, and comfort after leaving the Henry County Medical Center,” said Travis.
Mental Health is something that does not need to be taken lightly. If you believe you are suffering with a mental health issue and need some assistance with how to cope with these issues, please contact Lake Haven Behavioral Center at 731-644-8420 to learn more about your options.
If you are a victim of sexual assault, find help and the resources you need by calling 800.656.HOPE or visiting www.rainn.org.
Travis Ministers will gladly accept donations of new sweatpants, sweatshirts, or fuzzy socks. If you have questions or would like to donate to Sweatpants and Socks for Survivors contact Elder James Travis at 731-363-3217.
About Henry County Medical Center
Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Additionally, HCMC owns and operates 7 provider clinics in various specialties. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.